JO Ann Boyd Scott, 1953, writes:

When I came into Sheridan High from Wyola, MT. I wanted to twirl my baton but Mr. Avery had a "rule"--twirlers must play an instrument.I entered band my freshman year with a baton stored in my closet and carrying a trombone to "play". You talk about scared--I had never played in a band in my life. The first week I pretended to play. I am sure my poor trombone shook with fright.

Mr. William Avery knew the magic of teaching and I soon began to learn in earnest. Every day was an adventure in music for me. Everyone loved band and we would hang out there after school until he chased us out.

I remember being so impressed with band members Atley Ralston with his sax; Chic (called him Emily in those days) Dunn;  Bob Carroll on the trumpet; and of course, Millie Russell with her oboe and clarinet.

I was never very good with the trombone but I loved playing it anyway. We had many concerts, took band trips, played at all the football and basketball games and of course, the rodeo parade. Fun times. I remember twirling in the snow many times, throwing my baton in the air and it landed on a cow pie. (someone gave me a shirt to wipe it off.) Yuck. They didn't have twirlers at my college so I played trombone four years in the marching band. I thank you-- Mr. Avery. You made a difference for so many of us. I love to go to the Sheridan Park in the summer and visit with him. The Community Band plays there each week.

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